First Nations Development Institute and the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) team up to present "Dispelling the Myths: Giving in Native Communities.”

Released on: October 3, 2007, 2:52 pm

Press Release Author: Sarah EchoHawk Vermillion

Industry: Accounting

Press Release Summary: In his presentation, Roberts will detail and dispel the many myths surrounding wealth and philanthropy in Native communities. According to Roberts, “While the public is largely aware that Indian tribes engage in casino gaming operations, there is very little understanding amongst the general public of the need for reservation economic and community development support from outside Indian Country and the critical role of charitable donations by and to tribal communities.”

Press Release Body: October 3, 2007

LONGMONT, COLORADO- First Nations Development Institute and the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) team up to present "Dispelling the Myths: Giving in Native Communities.”

Michael E. Roberts, President of First Nations Development Institute (First Nations), and Malcolm Macleod from Johnson Foundation will be presenting "Dispelling the Myths: Giving in Native Communities" via teleconference call on the online knowledge center located on the NCFP website at www.ncfp.org.

In his presentation, Roberts will detail and dispel the many myths surrounding wealth and philanthropy in Native communities. According to Roberts, “While the public is largely aware that Indian tribes engage in casino gaming operations, there is very little understanding amongst the general public of the need for reservation economic and community development support from outside Indian Country and the critical role of charitable donations by and to tribal communities.”

In conjunction with staff from First Nations, Roberts will address many of the most frequently asked questions regarding reservation economies and provide solutions for what can be done to encourage more philanthropy to Indian Country.

First Nations Development Institute is a national American Indian-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1980. Through a three-pronged strategy of educating grassroots practitioners, advocating systemic change, and capitalizing Indian communities, First Nations Development Institute is working to restore Native control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own – be they land, human potential, cultural heritage, or natural resources – and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native communities. First Nations was founded with the belief that: "when armed with appropriate resources, Native peoples hold the capacity and ingenuity to ensure the sustainable economic, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing of their communities."

The online call, which is free and open to the public, will take place on October 11, 2007, from 12:00 to 1:30 pm (EDT). For more information, or to participate live in the online conference call, go to www.firstnations.org/philanthropyaccess.asp.